Citizens asked to avoid flood, electrocution risks during monsoon

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2026) Rescue 1122 on Friday urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures to minimise the risk of accidents during the monsoon season, warning that timely preventive steps could help save lives and protect property from rain-related emergencies.

District Emergency Officer(DEO) Rescue 1122, Dr Hussain Mian, issued the advisory in accordance with the special directives of Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer, saying that all rescue teams and equipment had been placed on high alert under the department's Monsoon Emergency Plan.

He said the forecast of heavy monsoon rains could lead to urban flooding, strong winds, collapsing dilapidated buildings, electrocution, traffic accidents, drowning incidents and other emergencies. However, he added that most such incidents could be avoided through public awareness and strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Dr Hussain Mian advised citizens to inspect old buildings, roofs, walls, balconies and pillars and carry out necessary repairs before the onset of heavy rains. He urged people to avoid living in or visiting unsafe and dilapidated structures, as continuous rainfall could weaken them further. He also stressed the importance of cleaning rooftop drains, gutters and water outlets to prevent water accumulation.

Referring to the increased risk of electrocution during the rainy season, he asked the public not to touch electrical appliances, switches or exposed wires with wet hands or while standing barefoot. He advised consumers to repair faulty wiring, avoid illegal electrical connections and stay away from broken power lines, transformers and electrical installations submerged in rainwater.

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Parents, he said, should educate children about electrical hazards and prevent them from playing in rainwater near power installations.

The DEO also warned citizens against crossing canals, rivers, rain-fed streams, flooded roads, underpasses or fast-flowing water, saying the depth and strength of water currents could be misleading and life-threatening. He urged parents to keep children away from open manholes, canals and other water bodies.

He said Rescue 1122 Multan had completed all preparations for the monsoon season, with ambulances, fire and rescue vehicles, water rescue teams, rescue boats, life jackets, life buoys, specialised rescue equipment and trained rescuers ready to respond to any emergency. Monitoring of low-lying areas, rainwater drains and potential flood points had also been intensified.

Dr Hussain advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, drive at reduced speeds, use headlights, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and strictly observe traffic rules.

He appealed to the public to immediately report incidents such as fires, building collapses, electrocution, drowning or other emergencies by calling the Rescue 1122 helpline (1122), enabling rescue teams to provide timely assistance.

"Precaution, public awareness and responsible behaviour are the most effective safeguards against monsoon-related accidents," he said, adding that Rescue 1122 Multan remained fully prepared to respond to emergencies round the clock.